My Top Five Baby Registry Items for New Parents

I am the gift-giver that kids hate and parents love. I typically give clothes, books, and other “practical” gifts rather than the super fun (and less durable) toys that light up the faces of children. It’s not that I never give toys, but typically when I ask parents, “What do your kids need?” I rarely get requests for plastic crap. Parents-to-be are overwhelmed with what to put on their baby registry. They are inundated with Amazon reviews and well-meaning advice. Back when I was pregnant with my first child, I never stepped foot into a Babies-R-Us or similar store, but relied completely on the recommendations of friends and one book called Baby Bargains. What I’ve found after over a year of this parenting thing, is that many registry favorites are due to the preferences of the child. This is true for sleepers/sleep sacks, swings, toys, teethers, and sippy cups to name a few. Some babies love certain products while others hate them. My list below, while not as exciting as tutus or toys, are my five “can’t live without” items that don’t strongly depend on child preferences. Let’s get started!

Disclaimer: I recently joined the Amazon Affiliates program, so if you purchase anything from Amazon using these links, I will receive a small commission. 

NoseFrida The Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator. Let’s get this one out of the way. Reality check: your child isn’t born knowing how to blow their nose, and it’s up to you to clear their congestion. You may be OK chasing them around with a tissue all day, but this will not help them during naps and overnight. If you want to maintain your sanity and get some sleep, you have to get over the ick factor of sucking snot out of your kid’s nose. The Snotsucker allows you to do this in a hygienic way with their fancy filters. This is hands down the most important baby item we own.

Fridababy NailFrida the SnipperClipper Set. It only takes one time nicking your baby’s finger to seek out nail clippers that are foolproof. These nail clippers have a spyhole that allows you to see what you are cutting. Even with squirmy babies, you can relax that you won’t hear their bloodcurdling screams (at least when you cut their nails!)

Skip Hop Moby Bath Tear-Free Waterfall Rinser, Blue. When you start washing your baby’s hair, you want to be able to rinse out that shampoo- tear-free or not- without the water running all over their face. This whale has a specially designed lip that fits to your baby’s head for easy pouring. It can also store small toys between baths.

ChooMee Sipn Food Pouch Toppers | 100% Silicone | Prevent spills and Cushion mouth | 2CT – Orange Aqua. I find that not all baby pouches have the same flow speed, and babies tend to get the content of the pouches all over themselves. The ChooMe pouch toppers regulates the flow and saves you additional laundry headaches.

Beautycounter Protect All Over Sunscreen SPF30. This is my wild card choice. Generally speaking, you should avoid or limit sunscreen on babies younger than six months. However, when you decide to use sunscreen, you want something that is safe for babies and for you! Unfortunately, many mineral sunscreens do not rub in easily, and you end up looking like a streaky ghost. I love Beautycounter products and this sunscreen is amazing.

Is there a product that you can’t live without? Leave a comment!